We have an elderly (but in excellent condition) Monza 1200s caravan. I am wondering how complicated and expensive it would be to convert the caravan from 12v battery to mains style hook up, can anyone advise me? Thanks.
Converting elderly caravan for electric hook-up
- Thread starter Hugh_374387587
- Start date
Hugh,
You actually "add" mains retaining the 12 volt system, its not a "conversion".
Its actually easy if you know what you are doing and kit were available. However you have to know what you are doing; I am concerned from your question that you might not have the depth of knowledge in this area to attempt it. Perhaps you have an acquaintance with the right skills who would guide you?
You actually "add" mains retaining the 12 volt system, its not a "conversion".
Its actually easy if you know what you are doing and kit were available. However you have to know what you are doing; I am concerned from your question that you might not have the depth of knowledge in this area to attempt it. Perhaps you have an acquaintance with the right skills who would guide you?
This is the first caravan that I've owned so it's all new to me. I build and repair Land Rovers, tractors and rally cars so I'm mechanically minded but caravans are something else!Is there anything I can read on the subject or can anyone explain more to me? Thanks.
Hugh,
This is one of the kits:
http://www.towsure.com/product/532-Caravan_Mains_Kit.
As for info I would suggest getting hold of the Haynes Manual, "The Caravan Manual" by John Wickersham, my early edition hasa whole chapter on installing Mains using a similar kit.
John
This is one of the kits:
http://www.towsure.com/product/532-Caravan_Mains_Kit.
As for info I would suggest getting hold of the Haynes Manual, "The Caravan Manual" by John Wickersham, my early edition hasa whole chapter on installing Mains using a similar kit.
John
A vital feature of the installation is that the "Consumer Unit" has a RCD, residual current device. These give protection from earth leakage risks and are a vital safety feature in our out door use of mains electricity.
Parksy
Moderator
Provided that you are competent to do the work as well as John Wickershams excellent caravan manual back issues of Practical Caravan magazine are available from a list which can be accessed from the home page button in the blue box under the forum logo.
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/pcvmag/diy.html
The issue that contains the article which deals with installing mains electricity ( Project 2000 makeover) is from July 2000 and the telephone number for back issues is 08456 777812
The February 2007 back issue has an article called 'Renovating a budget van: Cl Sprite Major; ABI Monza 1000 ; Vanroyce 365/2
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/pcvmag/diy.html
The issue that contains the article which deals with installing mains electricity ( Project 2000 makeover) is from July 2000 and the telephone number for back issues is 08456 777812
The February 2007 back issue has an article called 'Renovating a budget van: Cl Sprite Major; ABI Monza 1000 ; Vanroyce 365/2
Hello Hugh,
As others have said, if you really should be competent in mains wiring practices before attempting anything like this.
Just from a safety point of view, a mistake could of course cause serious injury to your self or a member of your family. It could also injure another caravanner, is your insurance up to covering that?
Unlike gas installations, minor electrical works can be attempted by a D.I.Y.er. I strongly recommended that any work you undertake is fully checked and certified by a qualified electrician before connecting to the supply.
As others have said, if you really should be competent in mains wiring practices before attempting anything like this.
Just from a safety point of view, a mistake could of course cause serious injury to your self or a member of your family. It could also injure another caravanner, is your insurance up to covering that?
Unlike gas installations, minor electrical works can be attempted by a D.I.Y.er. I strongly recommended that any work you undertake is fully checked and certified by a qualified electrician before connecting to the supply.
Many years ago I converted what was then an elderly caravan to mains.
The problem then was that the caravan, as standard, was not equipped with enough mains accessories to make the EHU charge worthwhile. In modern vans many of the itms can be used on mains &/or 12V.
Bill
The problem then was that the caravan, as standard, was not equipped with enough mains accessories to make the EHU charge worthwhile. In modern vans many of the itms can be used on mains &/or 12V.
Bill
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